Garcinia mangostana
Family: Guttiferae

Mangosteen is described as one of the best of all tropical fruits, yet, until recently, it was culti­vated rarely outside its native Malaysia and Indonesia. It is unlikely to be available outside the tropics. It is a decorative, evergreen ttee, growing about 8-10 m (26-33 ft) high, with dark, leathery leaves and pretty, rose pink flowers. The smooth fruits have purple skins enclosing a few seeds in a succulent, white pulp.

Cultivation

The mangosteen is not grown outside the tropics and in any case it would not fruit well. In other climates, it would need to be grown as a young foliage plant in a warm, humid greenhouse or conservatory. Plants are grown from seed, which should be sown in individual pots to avoid root disturbance when potting or transplanting. Germinate in a warm propagating case. Seeds are viable for only a short time after removal from the fruit. In suitable climates, young trees usually start producing fruit after about eight years.

Climate

Suited to the tropics only.